Interview with James M. Davie

Having left a career in the banking sector in 2001 James moved to New York and enrolled in the Parsons School of Design. Upon completing his degree, he worked for a few prestigious New York design firms doing extremely high end residential design. In 2012 James returned to his native Toronto to establish his own design firm, renovate his own dream house, and start a family. We had a chance to get to know James a little more in a recent interview.

A bold area rug is the centerpiece of this space. Find more area rug inspiration. Photo: Carpet One Floor & Home.

BDMS: How do you help your clients determine their style?

JD: I show my clients images of past work and magazine clippings and see what they respond to in order to determine their desired style. I don’t look at how they are living currently as most people don’t live in the style to which they aspire.

BDMS: What has been your most challenging design project and why?

JD: My most challenging project has been the ongoing renovation to my own home. I am customizing virtually everything from top to bottom and have been obsessive over the smallest of details.

BDMS: What design are you most proud of?

JD: I am most proud of my work in the Hamptons of New York. I have a real interest in creating casual and comfortable spaces that work for a beach or cottage environment.